Two AWOL cops linked to killing of former solon’s aide surrenders to PNP

MANILA, Philippines — Two police officers allegedly involved in the killing of the aide of former Biliran Rep. Glenn Chong has voluntarily surrendered to authorities, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Gamboa said Tuesday.

Gamboa identified the suspects as Capt. Jon Russel Barnacha and Staff Sgt. Alvin dela Cruz, both members of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) who had gone absent without leave (AWOL).

“Congressman Chong asserted this, alleging that the PNP has not effected the arrest, but mind you, because of the issuance of warrants of arrest, I think their current status is they are on AWOL, according to the regional director of PRO IV-A [the Calabarzon Region],” Gamboa said in a press conference in Camp Crame.

Gamboa added that the two police officers surrendered to authorities after the Rizal Regional Trial Court Branch 99 issued warrants of arrest for two counts of murder against them.

Richard “Red” Santillan and his companion, Gessamyn Casing, were killed in an armed encounter on the road in Cainta, Rizal on Dec. 9, 2018.

In June 2019, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) filed a complaint of obstruction of justice against the Calabarzon Police Regional Office director, Brig. Gen. Edward Carranza; the Rizal Police Provincial Office director, Col. Lou Evangelista; and the Cainta Municipal Police Station chief, Lt. Col. Pablito Naganag.

Two counts of murder and one count of planting of evidence were also filed against seven officers of the Cainta Municipal Police Station, led by Lt. Sandro Ortega; four officers of the provincial office of the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group, led by Capt. John Russel Barnacha; and 10 operatives of the Regional Special Operations Unit, led by Master Sgt. Rene Eufracio.

/atm